Summer Entertaining
Looking for a reason to throw a party? How about because it's summer? It may be August but summer is far from over. The warm weather and long days are perfect for summer entertaining. Think about a lively Friday night fiesta, a laid back Saturday afternoon barbeque, or a lazy Sunday brunch. All lend themselves beautifully to outdoor entertaining, and there's no need to bust the budget unless you want to. Mother Nature will provide the decorations in the form of the lush greenery and flowers already growing in your yard, and you can use produce from your own garden or the farmers market to create inexpensive and delicious meals your guests will love. From vegetarians to gluten free to good old meat and potatoes, you're sure to find just the right dishes. Fire up the grill and put your favorite music on, and have a variety of ice cold drinks available. Your guests will take it from there. If you have a choice, go with a charcoal grill, and be sure to have a few bottles of wine available to pair with the main entrees. For dessert, go simple with fresh fruits and sorbets, or get a little creative. It's all up to you. Read on to learn more!
Menu
Fortunately summer means that the choices for your menu are practically endless. From fresh caught seafood for a clambake to locally grown fruit for perfect blended drinks, you are sure to find everything you need. Hit the local farmer's market for the freshest selection of produce, breads and cheeses, and the butcher or fish market. Everything from juicy steaks to delicately flavored salmon filets will do well on the grill. Fresh fruits and cheeses make perfect appetizers, and your guests will rave about your homemade salsa made with locally grown tomatoes, onions and herbs. Be sure to offer a variety of dishes so everyone, whether they are a meat lover, a dieter, a vegetarian or just a picky eater, will find something to enjoy. When you've set your menu, it's time to prepare your grill. Good old fashioned charcoal is preferred by most outdoor cooks. It adds a nice flavor and just seems to cook food better than fancy gas grills. If possible, avoid lighter fluid and use rolled up newspapers to help get the fire going instead. Marinate meats and fish before putting them on the grill, and make sure your cooking surface is lightly oiled first. Don't attempt to oil the grate after the fire has gotten going, and keep spray oils like Pam far away for safety's sake. For large cuts of fish consider using a seasoned wood board to cook them on. Cedar is a popular choice. Finally, choose a few good bottles of wine, some white and some red. This will insure you have the perfect wine to pair with your main dishes.
D©cor
The great thing about summer parties is that they pretty much decorate themselves! All the fresh greenery and pretty flowers in your yard and on your patio make gorgeous party d©cor. All you have to do is add a few candles and perhaps a few strands of twinkling white lights. Pick flowers in your yard or buy a few bouquets of wildflowers at the farmer's market to use for centerpieces, then sit back and enjoy the beautiful atmosphere, great food and perfect company!
Menu
Fortunately summer means that the choices for your menu are practically endless. From fresh caught seafood for a clambake to locally grown fruit for perfect blended drinks, you are sure to find everything you need. Hit the local farmer's market for the freshest selection of produce, breads and cheeses, and the butcher or fish market. Everything from juicy steaks to delicately flavored salmon filets will do well on the grill. Fresh fruits and cheeses make perfect appetizers, and your guests will rave about your homemade salsa made with locally grown tomatoes, onions and herbs. Be sure to offer a variety of dishes so everyone, whether they are a meat lover, a dieter, a vegetarian or just a picky eater, will find something to enjoy. When you've set your menu, it's time to prepare your grill. Good old fashioned charcoal is preferred by most outdoor cooks. It adds a nice flavor and just seems to cook food better than fancy gas grills. If possible, avoid lighter fluid and use rolled up newspapers to help get the fire going instead. Marinate meats and fish before putting them on the grill, and make sure your cooking surface is lightly oiled first. Don't attempt to oil the grate after the fire has gotten going, and keep spray oils like Pam far away for safety's sake. For large cuts of fish consider using a seasoned wood board to cook them on. Cedar is a popular choice. Finally, choose a few good bottles of wine, some white and some red. This will insure you have the perfect wine to pair with your main dishes.
D©cor
The great thing about summer parties is that they pretty much decorate themselves! All the fresh greenery and pretty flowers in your yard and on your patio make gorgeous party d©cor. All you have to do is add a few candles and perhaps a few strands of twinkling white lights. Pick flowers in your yard or buy a few bouquets of wildflowers at the farmer's market to use for centerpieces, then sit back and enjoy the beautiful atmosphere, great food and perfect company!
